Spatial Metabolomics Insights Series
Spatial metabolomics is a cutting-edge analytical approach that integrates metabolite profiling with high-resolution spatial localization, enabling scientists to map the chemical architecture of tissues with micrometer precision. By harnessing imaging mass spectrometry (MSI) techniques—such as MALDI-MSI, DESI-MSI, SIMS, and AFADESI-MSI—this technology reveals the spatial distribution of small molecules directly from tissue sections, without the need for labels or prior knowledge. This spatially-resolved metabolic information is critical for uncovering localized biochemical changes associated with disease progression, tumor heterogeneity, tissue-specific drug metabolism, and plant-environment interactions. As such, spatial metabolomics has become an essential platform in systems biology, translational medicine, and precision agriculture, offering powerful insights into the spatial dynamics of metabolism that traditional bulk metabolomics cannot capture.
This blog collection offers a structured and in-depth overview of spatial metabolomics across four key areas. It begins with a comparison of core MSI technologies—including MALDI, DESI, AFADESI, and SIMS—helping readers understand their principles, advantages, and application scenarios. It then guides you through the complete experimental workflow, from sample preparation and spatial resolution optimization to advanced data analysis. Real-world case studies illustrate how spatial metabolomics is driving progress in cancer research and pharmacokinetics, while the final section explores its integration with transcriptomics and proteomics to unlock multi-dimensional biological insights. Whether you're getting started or refining your expertise, this collection is a practical resource for applying spatial metabolomics in cutting-edge research.
For in-depth insights on each area, please explore the blogs below:
Technology Introduction & Comparison:
- Spatial Metabolomics: MALDI-MSI vs. AFADESI-MSI, Key Technologies, and Applications
- MALDI, DESI, or SIMS? How to Choose the Best MSI Techniques for Spatial Metabolomics
Sample to Data Pipeline:
- Is Your Spatial Metabolomics Sample Ready?
- How to Prepare Samples for Spatial Metabolomics: The Essential Guide You Need
- Top FAQs on Spatial Metabolomics Sample Preparation
- Unlocking the Key Parameters of Spatial Metabolomics: Decoding Precision Metabolic Mapping
- Spatial Metabolomics Resolution Guide: From 100μm to 5μm in Plant Tissue Imaging
- Advanced Data Analysis in Spatial Metabolomics
Applications in Research:
- Spatial Metabolomics in Cancer Research: Unlocking the Metabolic Code for Precision Oncology
- Tracking Drugs in 4D: The Future of Pharmacokinetics with Spatial Metabolomics
- Spatial Metabolomics: Transforming Biomedical and Agricultural Research
